The recent Middle Eastern travel ban across airports in our country, imposed by President Trump, has caused me to think about how we view religion and ethnicity in the United States. I do not support the airport ban at all. How is banning everyone from certain countries a good way to protect our country? Identifying as a certain religion or ethnicity does not make a person either good or bad. Saying that all Muslims are terrorist is like saying all white people support the KKK; it simply doesn’t work that way. Bearing this in mind, I thought it would be appropriate to share a few celebrities who are Muslim or at least have ties to Muslim culture. Although I can’t be positive, I’m sure that Donald Trump has at some point enjoyed at least one of these people’s performances.
1. Akon
Photo courtesy of Akon Lighting Africa.
The famous “I Wanna Love You” singer has stated that he indeed is Muslim.
2. Shaquille O’Neal
Photo courtesy of Dwyane Wade’s Legacy.
The famous basketball star has a Muslim stepfather and in interviews has stated that he practices many religions, Islam being one.
3. Busta Ryhmes
Photo courtesy of Rap Basement.
This famous rapper had no shame in saying he is Muslim and embraces every moment of it.
4. Mehmet Oz
Photo courtesy of Dr. Pawluk.
The famous Doctor Oz, who has his own hit medical show and is one of the top cardio surgeons in America, was raised by a very strict Islamic father and had a Muslim mother.
5. Ice Cube
Photo courtesy of HipHopDX.
Before the famous Ice Cube starred in “Are We There Yet,” he converted to Islam in the 1990’s.
6. Janet Jackson
Photo courtesy of Entertainment Tonight.
Michael Jackson’s famous sister converted to the Islam religion after marrying her husband in 2013.
7. Gigi Hadid
Photo courtesy of Gigi Hadid Daily.
The famous young model who has graced the runway for Victoria’s Secret, Gucci, and Tom Ford (among others) has never confirmed her religion, but her father is Muslim. She has been seen wearing a hijab during a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
These are just a few of the famous celebs that come from the Islamic religion or practice it. From supermodels to rappers, religions have no boundries. We shouldn’t fear people who come from a different culture than us. Instead, we should embrace them and attempt to learn more about their traditions and religions.